Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you cannot find an answer to your question here, please contact us: digitalskills@dsi.uzh.ch

Question:
Can I apply if I am not yet studying at the UZH?

Answer:
No. Only students enrolled at the University of Zurich can apply for the DSI Minor/LAO Digital Skills starting in Fall Semester 2025 (HS 25). The application is open to students currently completing their bachelor’s degree at UZH, who will graduate by the end of the Spring semester 2025 and intend to pursue their master’s degree at UZH (starting HS25). UZH Master’s students who wish to change their current minor may also apply for the DSI Minor/LAO Digital Skills program.

Question:
I will not receive my Bachelor’s degree by the end of the Spring semester 2025. Can I apply even though I am still officially enrolled for the Bachelor's degree in HS25 and will complete it during HS25?

Answer:
You can officially enroll in the DSI Minor/LAO Digital Skills program only after finishing your Bachelor's degree. However, you can already complete modules in HS25, include them in the elective selection of your study program, and then enroll in the Minor/LAO for fall 2026. The modules you have successfully completed up to this point will be credited towards the Minor/LAO retrospectively.

Question:
Where can I apply?

Answer:
You have to apply and upload all required documents (motivation letter, CV, Bachelor diploma or Transcript of Records) via Selectus. You can find the application link here.
On the Selectus starting page, choose «Englisch» as language and Position «Application DSI Minor Digital Skills (Fall Semester 25)». Proceed through all steps, fill in all required information, and upload the documents.

Question:
I missed the application deadline, what options do I have now?

Answer:
If you missed the application deadline you can still visit and complete courses from the DSI Minor/LAO Digital Skills program. Please inform yourself about the curriculum here. Once you have completed the courses, you can apply for the Minor/LAO program during the next application period. If accepted, the modules successfully completed can be credited towards the Minor/LAO. If the upcoming semester will be your final semester in the Master’s program, please contact us in advance: digitalskills@dsi.uzh.ch.

Question:
Which courses do I have to take in the first semester?

Answer:
In the first semester (Fall Semester 25/HS25), students of the DSI Minor/LAO Digital Skills must attend the compulsory courses «Teamwork on Digital Transformation Challenges I», «Digital Transformation – a Scientific Overview», and «Intermediate Python Programming». To make planning easier for students, all classes take place on Mondays (#minormonday), allowing you to freely plan the rest of your week.

For more information see model curriculum (PDF, 432 KB)and the UZH Course Catalogue (VVZ).

If you want to obtain more ECTS in the first semester, you can freely choose from a wide selection of different courses offered within the DSI Minor/LAO Digital Skills (see Course Catalogue for current offer).

Question:
Do I need to provide a C1-English certificate for the application? Is the Federal Matura sufficient proof?
 
Answer:
The language of instruction is English. We require students to have at least C1 level language skills and consider the Federal Matura to be sufficient proof of this level. You do not need to submit a certificate.
 

Question:
Can I pursue the DSI Minor/LAO Digital Skills without prior knowledge in programming?
 
Answer:
Yes. You will be introduced to programming through the elective course «Programming Bootcamp» and the compulsory course «Programming with Python» in your first semester.
 

Question:
Do I need to enroll in the compulsory module «Programming with Python», if I already have Python programming skills?
 
Answer:
If you are already experienced in Python and you can demonstrate your skills through certificates or successfully completed courses at UZH, you can substitute the module with advanced modules from the module group «Programming, Machine Learning & AI». Please send an e-mail to digitalskills@dsi.uzh.ch with your certificates attached.